Regardless of quotas, or Government guidelines, the Board room would benefit from developing a more inclusive approach to who is on the Board – and why. It is clear that there are many prejudices held against professionals as possible board members, such as lawyers. They are apparently seen as too risk averse, narrow focused and unimaginative, leaving the space clearer for accountants: their saving grace being that they can read the numbers!
It is also evident that fewer women put themselves forward for Board appointments (Executive and Non-Executive) – not because they don’t have the skills, but because they may have too harsh (or realistic) an assessment about their own skills and likely contribution. However, it is this more accurate understanding of self, and so appreciation of other's capabilities that actually makes them effective.
To help start bridging the gap, we are now running a series of seminars to help women partners in law firms tap into their expertise and realize their potential in the Board Room – for mutual benefit.
For details of the seminar including dates, venues and costs please click here
If firms are interested in running in-house programmes we can also introduce some excellent role models to help and contribute to the debate and growing database of opportunities for NED, Judicial appointments and Trustee roles.